A near-consensus thought among local golf professionals and Vegas oddsmakers for the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., this weekend, Woods is a 7/2 favorite to win. He's followed by household names Phil Mickelson (12/1), Rory McIlroy (12/1), Justin Rose (20/1), Dustin Johnson (22/1) and Keegan Bradley (22/1), according to Bovada.com.

View full sizeKeegan Bradley, left, talks to Tiger Woods on the 17th fairway during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

It's no surprise that golf's three heaviest hitters are expected to contend, given their immense talent and wealth of experience.

"A lot of times you see past champions in the hunt Sunday," said Jesse Hamilton, Director of Golf at Mayapple Golf Club in Carlisle. "There's a certain comfort champions have at the Masters. I can't imagine Mickelson and Tiger won't be on the leader board Sunday."

Rose was another common name on the lists of our local experts. Described as an "up-and-comer," Rose could be ready to take the next step in his career, which would include winning his first major.

"He's been playing very well this year and I think he's ready to step it up to win a major," said Pete Mickelwright, golf pro at Blue Ridge Country Club. "If you look at the guys who are the next ones, Rose is one of the next up-and-coming golfers out there."

While a popular choice to win, Tiger Woods wasn't the only golfer our local pros thought had a shot at wearing the green jacket.

"If Tiger drives the ball well, he's going to be difficult to beat, but I'm going with Ian Poulter this week. He's had a lot of rest and he seems to be past the illness he had last month. He's pretty fresh; he's a fantastic putter, and he's certainly able to handle the pressure on the back nine at Augusta.

"Angel Cabrera played very well two weeks ago on the Asian Tour. He's won at Augusta before, and he hits it a mile. It wouldn't surprise me if he's competitive.

"If the course stays firm, I don't think shorter hitters like the Steve Strickers, the Darren Clarks, the Luke Donalds, are eliminated. If it gets wet, they're done."

"It's hard to bet against Tiger. If it wasn't Tiger, I would say Justin Rose. He's been playing very well this year and I think he's ready to step it up to win a major. If you look at the guys who are the next ones, Rose is one of the next up-and-coming golfers out there.

"I wouldn't have guessed Bubba Watson last year, but he did it. The thing about the Masters is, they know the golf course, they've been there, and no matter who you say is the favorite, you can't control what everyone else does. Anyone could get hot and contend."

"Obviously the favorite is Tiger Woods. You're starting to see the beginning of Rory McIlroy being a challenger. Hopefully Tiger will get him to raise his game and be consistent, which is a tough thing to do in golf.

"Phil Mickelson always brings his game to the next level when he's there. It's great to see his imagination -- and all those guys in the short game -- coming to the back nine on Sunday."

"I would go the field against Tiger. He hasn't won it in almost a decade now, and it's not like he's dominating Augusta like he used to. I know he had a stretch where he didn't play well, but even back five or six years ago, he wasn't winning it then, either."

"There's no way to pick against Tiger. I think Tiger's going to win it, just based on preparation and mentality. They all have the same talent, but he always has a mental edge over everybody. He lost it for a few years, but he looks like he's got it back now."

"My pick is Tiger. Why not? Three wins in five starts this year puts him back on track, at least winning percentage-wise, with his glory days. There are no active golfers who know Augusta National quite like him, with perhaps the exception of Phil Mickelson. And it just feels right, meaning it's time for him to step up and get that first post-divorce major. But the real reason I'm picking him? His love life is back on track for the first time in years, and while some may scoff at that, when you're dating Lindsay Vonn you've got to be feeling pretty good."

"I'd like to see Rory McIlroy win it. I like Graeme McDowell a lot. Justin Rose could win it. After last week, it would be a surprise for Rory to win but he's more than capable and deserving. He's going to win one, it's just a matter of when.

"McDowell is starting to figure out how to play that course, and Rose is about to ready to win a major. If Lee Westwood was ever a sleeper pick, I would take him."

"What's the payoff in picking four-time champ Tiger Woods or even three-time champ Phil Mickelson? I'll hitch my wagon to Georgia resident Matt Kuchar, who has the game and correct risk-reward ratio to handle Augusta. If he doesn't fall asleep playing alongside Jason Dufner and Bill Haas in the first two rounds, Kuchar (30/1) can turn around last year's near miss.

“Four of the last six Masters winners made the green jacket their first major championship. Americans have won this tournament 57 times, so one of the best red, white and blue players without a major on his resume is Dustin Johnson. He’s come close twice in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. No funky bunkers at Augusta. And Johnson, who bombs it off the tee, will enjoy the little extra room to roam.”